WITH the festive season barely over, residents are being reminded that they can have their Christmas trees collected and recycled in a fortnight’s time.

St Margaret’s Hospice is offering the service in exchange for a donation to help the charity.

Hospice crews will be out and about across much of Somerset to collect the trees on the weekend of January 13 and 14.

Christmas tree collections should be booked in advance via the hospice website, with bookings closing at midnight on Monday, January 9. Collections can be booked here.

The hospice is also looking for volunteers to join its collection crews and for anybody who has a wood chipper which can be used for disposing of the trees.

A spokesperson said: “We are looking for enthusiastic and friendly people to join our Christmas tree collection crew to help ensure the smooth running of this county-wide operation.

“This is a great opportunity to get out and about, meet new people, and be part of a top team supporting your local community.

“This is a flexible opportunity to give as much or as little time as you would like over the weekend.

“Kick start your New Year by helping us raise vital funds so we can continue to care for patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness across Somerset.”

Anybody who wants to help can register here, or can email [email protected] or call 01823 346959 with any queries.

St Margaret’s has been supporting patients and their families facing a terminal illness for more than 40 years and is rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

The charity’s 300 staff and nearly 1,000 volunteers help to care for about 5,000 people every year.